Baptist education shows success, offers aid

The Education Commission reported meeting three times during the past year.  According to the Book of Reports, the commission focused on financial information, academic issues and student life on the campuses of Samford University in Birmingham, Judson College in Marion and the University of Mobile (UM). 
   
Buddy McGohon, chair of the commission, reported that although all three of Alabama Baptist institutions of higher education are in good shape, the same cannot be said of society.
   
“Society is not so great,” McGohon said. “We need to be advocates among our institutions. We need them on their radar screens when making important decisions.”
   
He went on to challenge Alabama Baptists to make an effort to ensure that students consider the Alabama Baptist schools when making decisions about college. 
   
Sid Cottingham, a member of the Board of Aid for Students in Church Related Vocations, joined McGohon in encouraging pastors to remind students to consider Alabama Baptist institutions of higher education.
   
“Be sensitive to those who God is calling out for ministry,” Cottingham said. “As you counsel them, encourage them to prayerfully consider one of our schools for their training.”
   
He also reported that the Board of Aid was able to provide scholarships worth 15 percent of tuition for each qualifying ministerial student attending Judson, Samford and UM.
   
According to the Book of Reports, Alabama Baptists awarded 268 scholarships to undergraduate students for a total of $215,131 this year. Scholarships were also awarded to Samford University Extension Division.
   
Board of Aid scholarships are available to students attending Judson, Samford or UM who are preparing for church-related vocations. The students must be Alabama residents and actively involved in the life of an Alabama Baptist church. (TAB)